**Reflections on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty as I geared up to kick off my journey as a first-year student in [Materials Science and Engineering](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/materials-science-engineering-meng/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=mra-blogs&utm_content=link). As someone who has always been introverted and cautious, stepping into the unfamiliar was quite outside my comfort zone. Reflecting on the past year now, I recognize it as not only a difficult but also a transformative one—full of growth, learning, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting aspects of starting university was the fear of finding friends. If you’re a future student reading this, you may share the same feelings. On my first day in student housing, just before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet anyone. Now, looking at today, I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced—friends who feel like family.
What made the difference? I took gradual steps, initiating basic conversations with others who were experiencing similar apprehensions. I realized that making the effort at the start of the year is vital. If you’re not immediately ready, that’s perfectly fine—there are ample icebreaker activities and chances to interact with peers. Most importantly, I found out that being true to yourself is the best strategy. With such a diverse mix of people in the course and the university, you’re sure to connect with those who resonate with you.
### Addressing the Academic Hurdles
Coping with the academic demands and the tougher material was another considerable challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was distinct, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or to doubt your skills when witnessing others study and seemingly succeed.
What assisted me was the recognition that everyone is experiencing the same difficulties. If you’re struggling to grasp something, there’s a good chance others are too. The essential takeaway is to seek help—be it from classmates or instructors. Developing the ability to ask for support is possibly the most crucial skill you can acquire during your first year.
### The Significance of Connection and Support
Speaking of instructors, the Materials department at Imperial is remarkable. The lecturers and tutors sincerely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They foster open communication throughout the year and are consistently available to assist.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support options until the end of the year, I wish I would have taken advantage of it earlier. Initially, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year, which enabled me to build rapport with staff members. This proved to be an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your time at university. My biggest lesson? Leverage the support systems available—you can never receive too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
As I look back on my first year, I’ve come to realize that much of the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was largely ungrounded. The extensive range of support available, from faculty to fellow students, changed everything. I’ve recognized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to manage exam pressures and deadlines while still savoring joyful moments.
This year has been a journey of development, and though it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it has been incredibly fulfilling. To anyone on the verge of starting a similar journey: take the plunge, be authentic, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’ve got this!
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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